Kailub Russell and Charlie Mullins are virtually deadlocked in AMSOIL GNCC standings heading into this weekend’s VP Fuels Big Buck GNCC.
The only thing predictable thus far in the 2014 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Maxxis has been the unpredictable. Crazy weather has led to absolutely taxing conditions, testing many of the best off-road racers in the country to their absolute limit. With the 13-round AMSOIL GNCC tour making its fourth stop of the season this weekend at the VP Racing Fuels Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina, April 12 and 13, about the only other predictable factor is that the battle for the overall win will likely be extremely close.
Factory FMF/KTM teammates Charlie Mullins and Kailub Russell are already engaged in an tight battle for the lead in the overall National Championship standings. Mullins holds a three-point advantage over Ruyssell, but Russell has the advantage of momentum, having win the last two consecutive races to storm back into title contention after a disastrous finish at the series opener in Bunnell, Florida, during Daytona Bike Week. Both Mullins and Russell are previous Big Buck GNCC winners, adding to the weekend’s drama.
N-Fab AmPro Yamaha’s Paul Whibley, has also gotten off to a strong start with two top-five finishes in 2014. However, the New Zealand native experienced mechanical trouble at round three in Morganton, North Carolina, and he carded a DNF. Expect Whibley to be back in action this Sunday and ready to secure his first-ever win in South Carolina, which is home to AmPro Yamaha’s headquarters and the Whibley family for a majority of the year.
Whibley’s N-Fab AmPro Yamaha teammate Jordan Ashburn has put himself in a good position after three rounds of racing as well, capturing a podium position at round two. Ashburn is currently fourth in the overall standings.
Additional hometown favorites heading into the Big Buck GNCC include Belton, South Carolina natives Steward and Grant Baylor, who grew up less than an hour away from the Big Buck Farm. Factory FMF/KTM’s Stu Baylor Jr. currently sits fifth overall in the XC1 Pro Class, while XC2 Pro Lites Champion and younger brother Grant sits in seventh overall and third place in the XC2 Class. The Baylor brothers are intense competitors and will be tough to beat in their home state. RideMPS.com/AMSOIL/Honda’s Thad DuVall sits eighth in the championship standings with a pair of fourth place finishes and an unfortunate mechanical issue at round two.
North Carolina’s Trevor Bollinger leads the XC2 Pro Lites Class after having secured a big win in his home state at the last round. In his rookie season, Bollinger has already turned many heads with three top-five finishes. Raines Riding University/Yamaha-backed Ricky Russell sits only one point behind Bollinger in the class standings with three top-five finishes as well. Russell is looking to secure his first XC2 Pro Lites win at the Big Buck GNCC this weekend.
Factory FMF/KTM’s Kacy Martinez holds the WXC points lead heading into the fourth round, with an undefeated record in the class.
Youth bike racing will take place Sunday at 8 a.m., followed by amateurs and Women at 10 a.m., while the top amateurs and pros race at 1 p.m. Local racers are invited to compete at this event, as GNCC Racing offers classes for riders of all skill and experience levels. The amateur racer entry fee is $40, and riders can sign up at the track.
Adult (12+) gate admission is $20 for the full weekend and $10 for kids (6-11). Kids five and under are free. All admission includes pro pit access.
Tune into RacerTV.com on Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern to catch LIVE coverage of the Pro bike race at Round 4. For more information on GNCC Live coverage, visit www.racertv.com. If you can’t make the race, you can also catch the action live on RacerTV.com this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST
For more information on the series, visit www.gnccracing.com.
Your Privacy Choices